Meet the MBA Class of 2026: Zion Richardson
Zion Richardson
Emory University
Goizueta Business School
“An innovative leader, dedicated to strategic problem-solving, community empowerment, and shaping the world.”
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Fun Fact: I’m an avid reader and I look forward to writing a book of my own one day.
Undergraduate School and Major: University of Wisconsin-Madison; B.S. Industrial and Systems Engineering
Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Management Consulting Senior Analyst at Accenture
What makes Atlanta such a great place to earn an MBA?
In short, it is authenticity. Atlanta is filled with authentic, down-to-earth individuals who want to help each other win. In a world where so many interactions feel transactional, this city is a breath of fresh air. Specifically for MBA students, Atlanta is ideal because it is a major hub for business, technology, and entrepreneurship. Every day, there are new opportunities to network, find employment, or even discover some amazing food. This unique combination of qualities, in addition to the great weather, makes Atlanta one of the best places to earn an MBA.
Aside from your classmates and location, what was the key part of Goizueta Business School‘s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you?
Goizueta’s Full-Time MBA program is extremely intentional and impossible to ignore. You can see this intention shine within every department at Emory University. The academic affairs team does a phenomenal job of handcrafting diverse core teams for first years. The admissions staff are all very intentional about getting to know who the students are behind the application. Each of the professors is intentional about how they’re challenging the students to think outside the box and expand their perspectives. This intention throughout the community made Emory feel undeniably like home.
What course, club, or activity excites you the most at Goizueta Business School?
As a Forte Fellow, I hope to contribute to opportunities for women to succeed in business. I plan to revitalize a club at Goizueta that encourages other allies to show support and contribute to opportunities for women in business. This involvement excites me the most because I’m passionate about using my voice to amplify others.
What is your unique quality that will enable you to make a big contribution to the Class of 2026? Why?
I use a future-oriented approach in everything I do. As I begin my MBA journey, I envision myself on graduation day, reflecting on potential decisions and impacts. How can I best support my peers and classmates? These questions guide my actions to maximize value for my campus community. This perspective drives me to pursue leadership roles, contribute academically, and empower my peers. By projecting myself into the future, I aim to be the best version of myself and make significant contributions to the Class of 2026.
Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far:
After entering the workforce post-COVID-19, I noticed a decline in in-office engagement since many of my peers were adapting to virtual work. Recognizing the importance of community, I took the initiative by joining the Chicago Analyst Action Team as the Networking Co-Lead. I curated events aimed at boosting in-person participation and collaboration among analysts. These high-impact, low-cost events successfully fostered a significant culture change, enhancing engagement and teamwork within our office. This accomplishment stands out because it not only transformed our work environment post-pandemic but also allowed me to positively impact my peers while challenging myself.
Looking ahead two years, what would make your MBA experience successful?
A successful MBA experience means helping my peers grow and optimize their journeys. I see the MBA as an introspective journey to discover and enhance who I am. Supporting others is central to my identity, and I look forward to finding creative ways to assist my classmates. I’ve set several goals for my MBA, including taking advantage of public speaking and study abroad opportunities. I’m excited to execute these goals and make the most of my MBA experience.
Interested in exploring Full-Time MBA opportunities? Learn more about Goizueta’s Full-Time MBA program.
